Dear xxxxx
Football is at a massive crossroads and I am writing to ask you to pledge your support to deliver realistic long-term change.
At the end of last year, Tracey Crouch’s Fan-Led Review was published. Its findings map out a bright new future for football. Fair Game, a group of 34 professional football clubs, wants the Review’s findings implemented in full.
The official Government response backed the findings in June. The most important thing right now is to ensure the findings are included in a new Football Bill in the next legislative programme and that the financial flow in football is addressed.
The upcoming White Paper represents the final hurdle.
So far dozens of high-profile politicians have backed Fair Game and it would be wonderful if you could add your voice.
We need a culture where hard-working community clubs are rewarded and that the gambling culture that has put our clubs at risk comes to an end.
In 2020, 52% of clubs were technically insolvent. Since then the pandemic has put clubs on their knees and the cost-of-living crisis could be the knockout blow.
At risk is decades of history and tradition, the hearts of local communities across the country and the hundreds of local businesses that depend on their local club.
I’m asking you as a constituent to please support Fair Game’s Sustainability Index. The Index will rate every club on five criteria:
Financial Sustainability
Good Governance
Fan Engagement
Community Engagement
Equality Standards
And simply the higher the score the more money they get. These are the clubs that invest in their surrounding areas, turn their stadia into hubs and build strong youth programmes. The Index would be transformational to the dozens of towns and villages where our football clubs reside.
Here are some things you could do to help save football:
Send a quote of support to Fair Game to niall.couper@fairgameuk.co.uk
Tweet your support. Something like…
I believe in a new future for ⚽️
I believe our clubs should be secured
I believe in financial sustainability
I believe in good governance
I believe in equality standards
I believe in proper fan engagement
I back @fairgameukWe need an independent regulator
Organise a meeting with Fair Game’s Director of Advocacy, Mike Baker by emailing advocacy@fairgameuk.co.uk.
Write in support of the review in the White Paper Consultation
Ask for the review to be included in your next manifesto
It would send a strong message to all those communities if the Index could be included in the next legislative programme and in your manifesto.
Yours sincerely
Xxx[your name]xxxx
xxx[First line of address]xxx
xxx[second line of address]xxxx
xxxx[town]xxxx
xxx[city or county]xxxx
xxx[postcode]xxx